The Biggest Reasons New Students Quit Jiu Jitsu Within 90 Days — And Your Onboarding Solution

Did you know that nearly 80% of new jiu jitsu students quit within their first 90 days? This staggering number reflects not just a lack of interest, but often unaddressed issues during their onboarding process.

As martial arts school owners, understanding and addressing these reasons is crucial for retention. You can create a welcoming environment and structured onboarding process that prevents students from ghosting you.

🤔 Common Reasons New Students Quit Jiu Jitsu 🤔

Let’s dive into why so many new students leave. There are several common barriers you can tackle right now to improve retention.

• Intimidation by experienced students
• Lack of personalization in training
• Insufficient progress tracking
• Overwhelming technical jargon
• Poor communication from instructors

📅 The Onboarding Sequence You Need to Implement 📅

Creating a structured onboarding sequence can greatly improve your retention rates. Use this timeline to guide your new students through their first 90 days.

1. Day 1: Welcome Message - Send a warm welcome SMS immediately after their first class, thanking them for joining.
2. Day 14: Progress Check-In SMS - Text them asking how they're feeling about their lessons and invite them to share any concerns.
3. Day 30: Personalized Training Analysis - Offer a one-on-one assessment to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

These specific touchpoints create a supportive atmosphere where students feel valued.

📲 Crafting Effective SMS Check-Ins 📲

SMS check-ins can play a pivotal role in student retention. Here are some scripted messages to ensure you reach out effectively.

1. Day 1 SMS: 'Hey [Name], welcome to Try Martial Art! We’re excited to have you. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!'
2. Day 14 SMS: 'Hi [Name], just checking in! How are your classes going? Let us know if there's anything we can assist with.'
3. Day 30 SMS: 'Hello [Name]! We’d love to help you stay on track with your jiu jitsu goals. Could we set a time for a progress discussion?'

Tailor these scripts to your style and the specific needs of your students for better engagement.

💵 Incentivizing Referrals: $25 Structure 💵

A proven strategy to keep students engaged is through a referral program. Offering a $25 incentive can motivate them to bring in friends.

1. Step 1: Inform your students about the referral program during their first class.
2. Step 2: Create a digital flyer detailing the benefit—$25 for each new student they refer who enrolls.
3. Step 3: Send reminder texts every month to promote the program.

This adds a community aspect to your school and keeps current students involved.

🤝 Building a Community Atmosphere 🤝

Creating a sense of belonging is crucial in a martial arts school. Community events and social media can help foster connections.

• Host monthly social events, like a potluck or movie night.
• Create a private Facebook group for students to share tips and experiences.
• Highlight student achievements regularly through newsletters and posts.

When students feel like part of a community, they’re less likely to leave.

📈 Assessing Your Progress 📈

Lastly, regularly analyze your retention metrics. Track dropout rates and student feedback to continually refine your onboarding process.

1. Monthly: Review your retention rates and identify any patterns.
2. Quarterly: Conduct surveys to gather feedback from new students about their experiences.
3. Annual: Adjust your onboarding process based on data trends.

These actions keep your programs relevant and appealing.

Your martial arts school thrives on community and connection. By implementing these actionable strategies, you can significantly reduce dropout rates and create a vibrant training environment. Remember, retention isn't just about keeping students—it's about making them feel at home.